Markian Babij N.D., FABNO earned his Doctor of Naturopathic Medicine degree from the Southwest College of Naturopathic Medicine and Health Sciences in Tempe, Arizona. He completed a one year internship at an integrative medical office, which involved clinical rotations with cancer patients. His experience includes the modalities of general naturopathic family practice, pain management, advanced immunology and integrative cancer care. Dr. Babij incorporates botanical, homeopathic, nutritional/lifestyle counseling, immunotherapy, and pharmaceutical-prescribing experience into his current practice. In addition, Dr. Babij has lectured on a variety of health topics internationally and has mentored naturopathic medical students in both inpatient and outpatient settings. Dr. Babij earned a bachelor's degree in psychology from the University of Manitoba in Canada. He attended premedical school at the University of Winnipeg and attended classes at the Northwestern School of Homeopathy in Minneapolis. He also spent time as a volunteer for Hope Society for the blind in South Africa while travelling Africa for a year.

Dr. Babij holds an active license in naturopathic medicine in the state of Arizona and Alaska, and is one of 2 Naturopathic Doctors in Alaska to have completed a fellowship with the board of Naturopathic oncology. Dr. Babij's clinical experience includes several integrative practices and hospitals with medical doctors, osteopathic physicians, chiropractors, acupuncturists, and Advanced Nurse Practitioners. In practice, he strives "to identify and connect weakened body systems while maintaining communication with the appropriate health care providers involved in our patients' care. We check off our problem list and build wellness from the inside out."

Dr. Babij spent time as a Naturopathic oncologist with Cancer Treatment Centers of America in Tulsa, Oklahoma and has facilitated Naturopathic services for inpatients as an attending physician. He actively works with nutriceutical companies in developing new research ideas to promote evidence based medicines. Dr. Babij served as chairman for the Breast Cancer working group and collaborated with the oncology and research department at Cancer Treatment Centers of America.

In Anchorage, Dr. Babij works closely with educators and support services for cancer patients. He attends local cancer conferences to connect with oncologists and collaborate regarding the care of his patients. When asked about the patient population in Alaska, Dr Babij commented, "People here are independent and strong. My goal is to find ways to fit wellness into patient's busy lives. It is most practical to work collaboratively and set goals together as patient and physician. We have many challenges and advantages as Alaskans, and these must be considered in regaining balance in all dimensions of our lives."

Regarding integrative care in Alaska, Dr. Babij remarked, "Internal medicine and cancer care continue to improve with increased patient knowledge. As patients become more knowledgeable, they take on increased responsibility in their care; however, this empowerment is often life changing and allows the patient to experience healing at a profound level. It is Alaskans that have included Naturopathic care in their healthcare model, and I thank them for doing so! We are actively creating the model for future healthcare not only in Alaska, but globally."

In his free time, Dr. Babij enjoys travel and all outdoor activities including canyoneering, snow boarding, skiing, fishing, and backpacking. "I have no excuses when it comes to activity and balance in my life as it is always best to lead by example in treating patients. It is easier for patients to hear simple tricks that we as physicians have incorporated in maintaining balance in our health and wellness."

Dr. Babij is a member of the Oncology Association of Naturopathic Physicians, Alaska Association for Naturopathic Physicians, and the Oklahoma Association for Naturopathic Physicians. He is also a member of the American Association of Naturopathic Physicians, and the Society for Integrative Oncology. "Attending conferences with these various associations promotes education for me and my patients."

It is patient interaction that Babij enjoys most about his role as a doctor. "I enjoy interacting with patients, empowering them with tools to move forward in life while experiencing a disease process that they can better understand and eventually overcome. Knowledge is a powerful tool for patients as it often alleviates fear about their illness," noted Dr. Babij. In practice, "Each patient is an opportunity to make a difference in our community by promoting health."